1984 Big Brother Today Analysis
A Block
Big Brother Today
In 1984, George Orwell created a world so undesirable that one could not even imagine living in it. A world where even a thought against the “party” is considered the gravest of crimes. Orwell’s vivid portrayal of the extreme effects the government can impress on its’ citizens may seem unbelievable but Big Brother and the Party is still evident today.
The similarity from Orwell’s imaginary world and the present time is astonishing. Oceania’s citizens were scrutinized if they did anything suspicious or out of place. “The smallest thing could give you away.” A thought crime could have people thrown in prison camps or executed. Today, telescreens and voice recorders are replaced built in cameras in cell phones and personal computers. There is no such thing as personal privacy anymore. With the passing of the Patriot Act in 2001, the government is permitted to access library accounts if they suspect terrorism. The latest cars have boxes that detect speed and where one is traveling by satellite. Traffic lights have cameras that capture every vehicle passing through. Even supermarket cards that are meant to save the consumer’s money, track down every purchase made by that consumer. …show more content…
In 1984, Emmanuel Goldstein was the target for mass population hatred. Members of the Outer Party were gathered together to look at a picture of Goldstein, and renew their hatred for him. They were supposed to unleash their tension and aggression during this time. Julia puts it as “sex gone sour.” Today there is an Emmanuel Goldstein, he is Osama Bin Laden. After 9/11, Americans needed a face to hate, and was on a quest to find him. He is the target for our country’s
Big Brother Today
In 1984, George Orwell created a world so undesirable that one could not even imagine living in it. A world where even a thought against the “party” is considered the gravest of crimes. Orwell’s vivid portrayal of the extreme effects the government can impress on its’ citizens may seem unbelievable but Big Brother and the Party is still evident today.
The similarity from Orwell’s imaginary world and the present time is astonishing. Oceania’s citizens were scrutinized if they did anything suspicious or out of place. “The smallest thing could give you away.” A thought crime could have people thrown in prison camps or executed. Today, telescreens and voice recorders are replaced built in cameras in cell phones and personal computers. There is no such thing as personal privacy anymore. With the passing of the Patriot Act in 2001, the government is permitted to access library accounts if they suspect terrorism. The latest cars have boxes that detect speed and where one is traveling by satellite. Traffic lights have cameras that capture every vehicle passing through. Even supermarket cards that are meant to save the consumer’s money, track down every purchase made by that consumer. …show more content…
In 1984, Emmanuel Goldstein was the target for mass population hatred. Members of the Outer Party were gathered together to look at a picture of Goldstein, and renew their hatred for him. They were supposed to unleash their tension and aggression during this time. Julia puts it as “sex gone sour.” Today there is an Emmanuel Goldstein, he is Osama Bin Laden. After 9/11, Americans needed a face to hate, and was on a quest to find him. He is the target for our country’s